1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 www.fairgroundsracecourse.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian W. Spencer, Racing Analyst/Racing Communications, 504.948.1233, brian.spencer@fgno.com
Contact: Mark A. Conner, Sr. Director of Marketing, 504.948.1203, mark.conner@fgno.com
FAIR GROUNDS BREAKS FAST with starlight exotic racing for 142ND THOROUGHBRED SEASON opening night
· Rare Early Start launches Starlight Racing Event Series, Friday, Nov. 22
· Exotic Camel and Ostrich Racing, Chee Weez and DJ San-D Highlight Evening
· Ho Shun, Tujagues’s, The Munch Factory fare in the Miller Time Beer Garden
NEW ORLEANS (Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013) – Another historical racing season at the famed Fair Grounds oval looms as officials prepare a rare early Opening Evening Starlight Racing Card presented by East Jefferson General Hospital, packed full of traditional New Orleans entertainment for track goers, families and all. First post is 3 p.m for the nine-race card.
Kicking off the 142nd Thoroughbred Season on November 22, less than one week prior to the nearly sold-out traditional Thanksgiving Day festivities, will be the first of five fan-favorite Starlight Racing events. As such, the always well-attended Exotic animal races will also return under the stars, featuring one Camel and two Ostrich races and the popular local sports-themed Mascot Race.
The Exotic animal races are set for approximately 5:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This season’s opening night also brings the return of the local sports Mascot race featuring Fair Grounds’ own Gentilly Billy, the New Orleans Zephyr’s Boudreaux, Bones from the New Orleans Voodoo, the Tulane Green Wave’s Riptide, Delgado’s Izzy the Dolphin and Loyola Wolf Pack menace, Havoc. The always entertaining Mascot race is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.
“Next week’s Exotic Starlight Racing night sets the tone for what should be an exciting 142nd racing season,” said Fair Grounds President, Tim Bryant. “We look forward to ushering in another incredible season of thoroughbred racing this year, highlighted by what is sure to be fierce competition on the Road to the 101st Louisiana Derby.”
Starlight Racing, Fair Grounds’ popular see-and-be-seen night racing event, returns with entertainment by local cover band Chee Weez in the Clubhouse at 7 p.m. and DJ-San-D in the Miller Time Beer Garden at 6 p.m. Along with the dress-to-impress social scene, the Miller Time Beer Garden will also feature some of the best-known restaurant fare in New Orleans provided by French Quarter staple Tujague’s, Pan-Asian Uptown eatery Ho Shun, and relative Lakeshore newcomer The Munch Factory.
For the fifth season in a row the Starlight Racing Series is presented by crowd favorites Miller Lite and Blue Moon. Additionally, Absolut and Jameson have joined the Fair Grounds family for the next two years as the signature Spirits partner for the series. Drink specials will run all night from both beer and spirits partners. Fair Grounds is also proud to be joined by a local production company, Royal Productions, who will serve as the official AV partner for the Miller Time Beer Garden for the next three years. Where Y’at will continue to bring the local market the best in entertainment news while serving as a media partner for the series.
The Miller Time Beer Garden is restricted to guests 21 and up. The Grandstand and Clubhouse are open to guests 18 and up, as well as minors accompanied by a parent or guardian. The adjacent Fair Grounds Slots facility is restricted to guests 21 and up.
Admission prices for this Starlight Racing event only are as follows:
Grandstand General Admission is $10 with children under the age of 12 admitted free. Clubhouse Admission is $15, admission for accompanied children from ages 5 to 12 is $10, and children under age 5 are admitted free. The Miller Time Beer Garden admission is $15. Tickets are available online at FGNO.com/tickets and as always tickets may be purchased at the door. General parking is free and both regular and premium valet parking will be available.
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 142nd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 101st running of the $1 million Louisiana Derby - will run from November 2013 through March 2014. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.
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